Canastota's Shannon Lints to be recognized at Appreciation Dinner

The Canastota Area Association of Churches 30th Annual Appreciation Dinner for Canastota, Lincoln and Wampsville Volunteers is scheduled for Jan. 23 at the Rusty Rail. The Appreciation Night is to recognize the Canastota Firemen, Lincoln Firemen, Wampsville Firemen, Old Time Firemen and members of the Greater Lenox Ambulance Service.

One member from each organization has been selected to be recognized during the event. This is the second of four profiles featuring the award recipients.

Shannon Lints of Canastota -- Canastota Firemen

Q: How old are you?

A: 44

Q: How long have you been a volunteer?

A: 17 years total. I was in before, then got out for nine years for family and then got in at the request of my kids.

Q: What is your occupation?

A: Just finished as a student.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Camping, fishing, spending time with the kids.

Q: Why did you become a volunteer?

A: It was mainly the following of my dad. He was member before medical conditions took him out. It was something that I enjoyed seeing the fire trucks when young so when I was old enough, I joined.

Q: What is your favorite part about volunteering?

A: Just giving back to the community.

Q: Do you have a moment while volunteering that sticks out?

A: They all kind of stick out. There's not one really. It's hard to deal with when children are involved but you've got to work through it. I guess the biggest thing is not know what to expect when you go into a call.

Q: If asked, what do you think the other volunteers you work with would say about you?

A: Quiet, although that's starting to change. I'd rather stay in the background unnoticed.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

A: Personally, I don't feel I should be honored with it being the 150th anniversary. I think the honor should go to the entire fire department, past, present and future. For 150 years, the department has been dedicated to the village and community and if it wasn't for them, we wouldn't have the department we have now.